Costel returns

Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce that goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has rejoined the club on a permanent basis.

The Romanian international spent the second half of last season on loan at The City Ground from Premier League side Watford, but now makes a permanent switch for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old made 13 appearances for Forest last season, keeping four clean sheets, and has signed a three-year contract with the club.

Beginning his career in his home country with FC Politehnica Timisoara, Pantilimon moved to Manchester City in 2012 and went on to win the Premier League title and the League Cup in 2013-14, as well as featuring in the Champions League, before he joined Sunderland.

After two years in the North East, Pantilimon joined Watford in 2015 and spent time on loan at Deportivo La Coruna last season before teaming up with The Reds.